> Can anyone tell me what the symptoms are of the failure of this joint
> t.i.a. John S

Mine started with "stiff spots" in my steering.  It felt like my steering
wheel was binding when the wheel was turned steep, like when parking.

My joint was siezed.  I got a price from the dealer and decided to just try
freeing it up.  After a good dousing of penetrating oil, it loosened up.
It was fine for a while, but now the joint has gone sloppy.

There is now a clunking in the steering.  If I watch the joint while
someone turns the wheel back and forth, I can see the play in it (and hear
the clunk).

Gary